Synlett
DOI: 10.1055/a-2352-4902
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A Homolytic Substitution Approach for Directing Group-Free Nickel-Catalyzed Dialkylation of Unactivated Alkenes

Fei Cong
a   Department of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, 4 Science Drive 2, Republic of Singapore, 117544
,
Jun Wei Ng
a   Department of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, 4 Science Drive 2, Republic of Singapore, 117544
,
Ming Joo Koh
a   Department of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, 4 Science Drive 2, Republic of Singapore, 117544
› Author Affiliations
M.J.K. acknowledges funding support from the IMRE-NUS Chemistry joint collaboration project (A-8000301-00-00) and the Ministry of Education of Singapore Academic Research Fund Tier 2 (A-8000941-00-00).


Abstract

The selective construction of two C(sp3)–C(sp3) bonds through trimolecular cross-coupling of unactivated alkenes remains one of the most difficult challenges in organic synthesis. Despite previous advances in metal-catalyzed coupling for the dicarbofunctionalization of alkenes, dialkylation is still problematic due to the instability of the requisite metal–alkyl intermediate, which undergoes facile β-hydride elimination or protodemetalation. Recently, our group was successful in developing a bimolecular homolytic substitution (SH2) strategy that circumvents metal–alkyl side reactions and accomplishes the challenging cross-coupling of metal–alkyl intermediates with alkyl radicals in the absence of a directing auxiliary, permitting a highly regioselective dialkylation of unactivated alkenes.

1 Introduction

2 Nickel-Catalyzed Dicarbofunctionalization of Unactivated Alkenes

3 Nickel-Catalyzed Dialkylation of Unactivated Alkenes

4 Conclusions and Perspectives



Publication History

Received: 28 May 2024

Accepted after revision: 25 June 2024

Accepted Manuscript online:
25 June 2024

Article published online:
15 July 2024

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